OPINION
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Tommy Washbush
The growing threat to open government
Opinion | The Wisconsin Supreme Court, once a stalwart defender of the state’s transparency laws, has issued two rulings (and almost a third) that will do great harm to the cause of open government. Read more
One year later
Any recap of this incredible year starts with Isthmus’ readers and supporters. Our decision to go nonprofit was a leap of faith based on our belief that Isthmus’ longtime readers and fans would step up to support their community newspaper. Read more
Aug 3, 2022
Bill Lueders
Wisconsin health official blindsided by department's about-face
The records show that Karen Timberlake, secretary-designee of the state health department, was personally involved in exchanges over this matter, which staff seemed to regard almost entirely as a public relations issue. Read more
Aug 3, 2022
So, that was weird
The once hotly contested race for the Democratic nomination to take on Republican Sen. Ron Johnson in November transformed last week as three contenders dropped out in quick succession. Is that good for the Democrats? Read more
Aug 2, 2022
Robin Vos, hero?
Opinion | Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is not an ideologue, but a survivor. He stays in power by finding the center of gravity in his Republican caucus and putting himself there. Read more
Jul 26, 2022
My RoJo angst
The primary is less than a month away and Democrats are still undecided about who they will back to take on Sen. Ron Johnson in November. Read more
Jul 19, 2022
Reporting on abortion and reproductive health
Covering the impacts of the SCOTUS decision overturning Roe v. Wade is fraught for reporters and sources alike. Read more
Jul 8, 2022
Tommy Washbush
A real steal in ‘24
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case involving the independent state legislatures doctrine. If the courts rule in favor of this obscure legal theory, legislatures could ignore the will of the people in determining elections outcomes. Read more
Jul 8, 2022
6:00 AM
Tommy Washbush
The Gableman follies unabridged
When laid out in its entirety, the farce of Michael Gableman’s ‘investigation’ into the 2020 elections could not be clearer. Read more
Jun 24, 2022
11:00 AM
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Conserving — not killing — wildlife should drive Wisconsin’s natural resources strategy
Opinion | Due to threats to biodiversity and shifting human values, the Department of Natural Resources needs to shift it emphasis to protecting all of Wisconsin’s animal and plant diversity. Read more
Jun 14, 2022
3:00 PM
By Amaury Laporte, licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
Arming teachers to prevent school shootings is a bad idea
Opinion | Since the horrific school shooting in Uvalde, there have been the usual calls for gun regulation, higher security, and increased funding for mental health care. The worst idea, by far, is to arm teachers. Read more
Jun 6, 2022
10:00 AM
Training the next generation of journalists
Isthmus has helped train the next generation of journalists for four decades. The pandemic tested that mission. Read more
Jun 6, 2022
7:00 AM
I'm Muslim and I'm pro-choice
Opinion | Abortions are permitted by Islamic law out of medical necessity. There is no direct prohibition on abortion in the Quran and Sunnah, the two most authoritative biblical sources. Read more
Jun 3, 2022
8:00 AM
